Healthy Birth Practice 3: Bring a Loved One, Friend or Doula for Continuous SupportAdapted from The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence.

In childbirth, as in many aspects of life, we humans do better when we’re surrounded by those we trust, people who tell us we’re doing well and encourage us forward. Good labor support is not watching the clock and checking IV lines and fetal monitor printouts. It’s making sure you’re not disturbed, respecting the time that labor takes, and reminding you that you know how to birth your baby. Your helpers should spin a cocoon around you while you’re in labor—create a space where you feel safe and secure and can do the hard work of labor without worry.

Download the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice Paper, available in eleven languages, to find out about the research on continuous support in labor and learn about doulas (professional labor support professionals).

Lamaze collaborates with several strategic licensing partners who believe in our mission, support our vision and share our values. Whether your purchase is for yourself or for a shower gift you can b...